Making the choice - above ground or underground (ITA) John Reilly was Animateur of International Tunneling Association (ITA) Working Group 13 - concerned with a better understanding of the direct and indirect benefits of underground facilities. As part of this responsibility and in coodination with Working Groups 4 (Planning) and 15 (Environment) a world-wide review of the key characteristics of underground projects was initiated. Metro systems in major world cities were selected. The Working Group gathered data from ITA Member Country representatives - including owners, engineers, suppliers and contractors. The report was published in 2005 and can be found on the ITA website (www.ita-aites.org). See also the news item regarding life-cycle costs for underground projects. Photo courtesy of QA Photos